Is it okay to wear my dress blues to prom?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 13:16:35 -0500

Is it okay to wear my dress blues to prom? (I've seen other soldiers do it who are friends of mine)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 1:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 13:26:37 -0500

You would adapt it as you would for wear at a ball. Although in your case, your uniform probably looks like that already. If you have a unit, remove unit insignias from the shoulders, swap the tie for a bow tie, and remove the headgear.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Nov 4 at 2018 4:25 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 16:25:33 -0500

AR 670-1 will cover the wear and appearance of your uniform, to include when it is appropriate to wear your dress uniform outside of military functions. Off the cuff, a prom is a formal occasion, and you can wear the uniform to formal occasions, such as funerals, weddings, or any other social event that requires formal attire. The only requirement is that the uniform be worn in accordance with the specified regulation, do not mix dress medals with ribbons, be clean shaven etc etc. Good luck and I pity the other chaps when you show up. A sharp looking young lad in a sharp looking uniform will definitely be appreciated by the fairer sex.

1 correction, you cannot wear any uniform to any event that is political related, as the Services are Apolitical in nature and cannot be seen as endorsing or promoting any political party, ideology, or cause, regardless if the occasion is formal.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 5 at 2018 6:27 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 18:27:07 -0500

Looks like the Tribe has voted to have at it. Just remember that because you'll look different, the range of responses are on a bell curve. Most won't care. Some will think it's great. One or two may get into your face. I recall wearing my uniform to HS reunions. Year 5 an O-1; year 10 an O-3; year 15 an O-4. There was this other guy who wore his uniform and was the same rank as I every time.... until; year 20 an O-5 and year 25 an O-6. Interesting thing was the other guy went terminal at O-4 so he stopped wanting to talk to me. Like I say, the uniform will cause opinions to be formed and results will vary.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 10:34 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:34:53 -0500

Yeah people do it all the time, just make sure your uniform is correct. After all if is your uniform.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Mar 17 at 2020 3:34 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:34:22 -0400

If you are on leave and back home and it's your high school's prom, I say sure, because that's what the local kids do here to show their schoolmates that they are proud soldiers. It also reminds school staff, etc. that they should be proud of their graduates serving. Just make sure that you are regulation. If it's an evening event, Bow tie and proper rank and ribbons - no hat in evening. Try white gloves for the grand march!